Tobacco pipe



Patented May 16, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 6 Claims.

This invention has general reference to tobacco pipes while it relates, more particularly to the species or form thereof disclosed in my prior application for a patent, filed the 11th day of February 1947, under Serial Number 727,866, now Patent Number 2,472,159; that is to say tobacco pipes of the type in which the stem portion has spaced longitudinal bores, one of which serves as a smoke-conduit from the bowl to the mouthpiece and the other functions as a moisture-collecting and drain-off passage, said bores including trap means elfective to prevent nicotine, saliva or other residuum, developed incidental to smoking, from entering the users mouth.

The primary object of my present invention is to provide a tobacco pipe of the above indicated species including structural refinements and additions whereby said pipe is rendered positively dry and sanitary in that, irrespective of the angle it may be held between the users lips or teeth, normal suction-drainage from the mouthpiece or bit into the mouth is definitely prevented.

Another object of this invention is to provide a form of mouthpiece for tobacco pipes, of the type referred to, including a valvular-plug effective to shut-off communication between the stem smoke-conduit and mouthpiece duct, as well intermediate said smoke-conduit and the moisture collector-passage, whereby the pipe when not in use may be placed in any position without any noxious exudation taking place.

A further object of this invention consists in providing a novel tobacco pipe of the designated type including certain improvements in its form, construction and arrangement of the constituent parts, whereby the foregoing specified and other objects are positively attained.

My invention accordingly consists in the features of construction and combinations of elements, which are exemplified hereinafter, while the scope of application whereof is more particularly indicated by the terms of the concluding claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal side elevation of a straight-stem tobacco pipe embodying one form of my present improvements.

Fig. 2 is a larger scale plan view of the mouthpiece portion of the improved tobacco pipe, said view being taken approximately as indicated by the angled arrows II-lI shown at the left-hand of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a vertical longitudinal section, through the center of Fig. 2, but drawn to relatively larger scale for a clearer illustration of the details hereinafter fully explained.

Fig. 4 is a corresponding fragmentary portion intermediate the ends of Fig. 3, but showing the valvular-plug, hereinafter fully described, in 2. turned or shut-off-position.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the valvular-plug shown in Figs. 2-4 inclusive.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view similar to the preceding figure but embodying a turn key dia-- metric extension.

Fig. 7 is a similar sectional view to Fig. 3 but; including a modified form of the valvular-plug,. as well as showing a longitudinal groove in the smoke duct of the mouthpiece, all as fully explained hereinafter.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the modified valvular-plug shown in section by Fig. '7.

Fig. 9 is a cross-section of the mouthpiece taken as indicated by the angled arrows IXIX in Fig. '7.

Fig. 10 is a similar fragmentary section to Fig. 4 but showing a tubulate form of valvular-plug in the shut-off position.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 10 but showing the valvular-plug in its open position.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a ferrule connector intermediate the pipe stem and mouthpiece, hereinafter fully described.

Fig. 13, Sheet 2, is a sectional view, similar to Fig. '7, of a further modified form of my invention, the same including a novel coupler-device intermediate the pipe stem and mouthpiece.

Fig. 14 is a horizontally-staggered section, taken as indicated by the angled arrows XIV-XIV in Figs. 13 and 16.

Fig. 15 is a section on the plane designated by the angled arrows XV-XV in Fig. 13.

Fig. 16 is a similar cross-section taken as indicated by the angled-arrows XVI-XVI in Fig. 13.

Fig. 17 is a rear perspective view of the coupler device shown in Figs. 13-16; and Fig. 18 is a similar frontal perspective view of the same.

In describing the forms of my invention shown by the accompanying drawings specific terms will be employed for purposes of clarity, but it is to be understood that such terms are used in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Each specific term employed herein is intended to include all technical equivalents which serve in a similar manner to accomplish an analogous purpose.

Referring more in detail to the drawings the tobacco pipe shown complete in Fig. 1, comprises a bowl I9, stem 20, and the mouthpiece 2!, which are patterned along the general lines described and shown in my prior application Serial No.

' 727,866, hereinbeiore mentioned; that is to say the stem 20 includes a smoke-conduit 22 connecting from the bowl 19 to the mouthpiece 2|, and a subjacently paralleling collector-drain-off passage 23, having a removable closure 24 at the forward end thereof. In addition both the smokeconduit 20 and the collector-drain-off passage 23 are formed at the rear ends with differentially curved and laterally expanded flares 25, 26, respectively.

Turning now to the pipe stem 20, it is to be observed that, in accordance with my present improvements, the same has its rear end portion diametrically reduced at 21 for drift application thereto of a special ferrule-device 28, see Fig. 12. The ferrule-device 28 it will .be observed, is. preferably made of suitable metal, or other appropriate durable material, to embody interior longitudinal and circumierentially spaced gllttere projections 29 which are adapted to impinge into the stem reduced part 21 so that when said ierrule is forced into position the projection 29 will impinge into said reducedpart 2?. of the stern 23, and thereby effectively prevent it from work.- i oos or becom n oth wis de ached om said stem 20. The exterior snriaceof the ferrule.- device 28 is screw-threaded at 3'!) for snugengagement in the correspondingly-threaded bore 39' of the mouthpiece 2|, while it is to-be noted the knife-edges of thecutter projections 29 are preferably counterclockwise or tangentially directed in order that application of the mouthpiece 2.5 to the said ferrule .device 28 serves to more effectively lock the device '28 immovably in position,

It is to be further remarked inoonnection with the improved mouthpiece ii .of the instant in? vention that the fork-bores 3!, 32 are intersected across their angular juncture by a valvular screw plug 33 having an elbow cut-out or recess 34, to afford communication between the bones 3!, 32 when in one position, and which-when turned will shut off such communication as now to lie-explained. It is to be first observed that the valvular-plug ,33 is externally serew-threardfid at 35 for engagement in a complemcntally threaded bore preferably, although not essentially,

axial alignment with the bore 32 but that i is of larger diameter for en agement on a seat 31 to prevent its being driven in too far,. as. clearly understood from an examination of Fig In order to manipulate the valvulareplug 3,3 the same is provided withacrosscut or groove 3,8 in its outer end for application of a onvenient sized coin, or a suitable implement, not indicated whereby said plug maybe easily givena partial turn to move the elbow recess 34 into, and out of, registration with the smoke conduit 22 and collector-,drainsoff passage 23, in an obvious m ner- The valvular plug 33 is also provided with a suitable mark or pointer ,39 for registration with an opposin means All on themopthpiece 2.! .to thereby designate when ,the plug .33 is in the full-open position ,or with fihecross-cuttfiat right angles to the longitud nal axis of llHpiD? stem 26 and ,the mouthpiece 2!, as readily appreciable on an examination oi Figs. Z-aflmore particularly. It wih mow be obvious that by imp arting half-turn .to the valvular-plug ,3 3, pref.- erabiy in a counterclockwise direction that the elbowerecess 34 will be reversed and completely disrupt or shut off new communication between the forked-bores 3,1, .32, while .the latter bore still remains ,open into the smoke ,duct 4,] of the mouthpiece 2!. Still further it :is to be noted that instead of providing the ,valvular-plug 3 3 with cross-cut 38, I may furnish the same with a diametrically disposed extension or turn-key 42, see Fig. 6, whereby said plug can be manipulated, as above set forth, to better advantage.

Turning now to the modified form of my invention shown by Figs. 7, 8 and 9 all parts having equivalents in the preceding description are marked by corresponding reference characters, in order to obviate the necessity for unnecessary repetitive explanation, while the differentiating parts only will be explained. In this connection it is to be first remarked that the mouthpiece smoke=duct 4! is provided in its relatively lower part with a longitudinal groove 43 extending from adjacent the outer end 44 thereof to the inner end where it communicates directly into the collector-drain-off passage flare 26. In addition the valvular plug 33 in this form of my invention is formed to include a plain stem-portion 45, of less diameter than the screw threaded part 35; while the elbow-recess or bore 46. is continued down: wardly to connect into an angularly-related crosseboring 4.? positioned for registration with the mouthpiece smokerduct .41 when the pipe is in use, as readilynnderstood on an examination of Fig, 7 more particularly, while the said crossboring .4? is provided with a groove ,43 for cor.- responding alignment in the groove .43 aforesaid. Now it will be readily apparent that a quarter turn, by aid of the turn-key 4 2, to the left-hand, for example, the valvulareplug 33 will effect closure oi communication between the fork-bore 3i and the elbow bore 545, as well as from the mouthpiece smoke-duct (H into the collector-drain-off passage 21sec Fig. 10 to best advantage; and vice verse by iving the plug 33 a similar quarter turn to the right open communication will again be re-established. It is also noteworthy that the longitudinal groove .43, .43 in the mouthpiece duct 4| functions to not only facilitate collection of the normal moisture and saliva, developed in said duct incidental to smoking, but that it further facilitates gravitational drainage therefrom into th llei eh ain fi pa a .23 wher a positively ,dry smoke only enters the pipe users mouth at all times. Furthermore, it is equally obvious that when either plug 33 is turned into its inactiye position that the pipe may he sus; pended orcarried, with the mouthpiece 21 down, without fear of unsanitary and injurious drain age from the duct 55!. Obviously, the stem por- 2i0n 5,..0f the valvular-plug 33 may be made tubular as shown in Fig. 11, thatis to say the-bore 4,5 thereof may be .open at the inner end, and have diagonally related .cross apertures .48 for mutual registration with the smoke duct ,4 l' when said plug is in the active position, and contrariwiseont ,of registration with such duct when in the inactive position, as clearly understandable those conversant with the art.

Referring now to Figs. 13 to l8-inclusive, Sheet 2 of the drawings, which illustrate a further embodiment of my invention, all parts having equivalents to those previously explained are designated ,by like characters of reference, and only those dififering thereirom will be nowhescribed {or the reason ,before stated in connection with Figs. f7.-l-l inclusive. It is to be remarked, however, -that the embodiment now .to be des ribed i mainl d rec e o h ov sion of a more durable and rigid connector-means between the --mouthpiece 24 and stem 20. This connector ,means or adaptor, comprehensively desi nated i eierabl i th PfO'rmMdf a metal or other wear resistive material groups-see;

tion, embodying a portion 50 conformatory with the confronting or outer end of the pipe stem 20, and a relatively reduced screw-threaded portion adapted for snug engagement in the bore 30 of the mouthpiece 2|. The adaptor 49 is formed or provided with longitudinal upper and lower apertures 52, 53 for aligned registration with the stem bores 22, 23; while said apertures 52, 53 have their outer ends provided with flares 54, 55 conformatory with, and serving the same purpose as the flares 25, 26 previously mentioned and shown in Figs. 3, 4, 7, and 11.

In order to render the adaptor 49 immobile relative to the pipe stem 20 I preferably provide the outer end portion of said stem 28, as well as the abutting portion 50 of said coupler 49, with axially aligned and screw-threaded bores 56, 56', respectively, for joint reception of a dowel-screw 57, said bores having applied cementitious material that is driven inwards as indicated at 58, Fig. 14. In addition a dowel-pin 59 is located in aligned bores Gil, 6!! with an appropriate surrounding cementitious filler 6|. In assembling the parts just described it is to be noted that an appropriate cementitious substance is applied in the bores 56, 56' with resultant driving of saidsubstance forwardly as shown at 58; the coupler 49 is next applied to the screw 5! and excentrically rotated into abutment against the confronting end of the pipe stem 20, or until the adaptor bores 52, 53 accurately align with the stem bores 22, 23 respectively. Cementitious material 58 is now put into the bores 60, 60' and the dowel-pin 59 pushed thereinto, as readily understandable, until it abuts the inner end of the bore 60', see Fig. 14, to best advantage, whereupon the adaptor bore 6!) is completely filled in with said material and allowed to harden, when it will be readily understood that the parts 20 and 49 are rigidly locked together so that, when the mouthpiece 2| is applied it can be screwed-up tight without any liability of disturbing the said parts 20 and 29.

Attention is also directed to the fact that the tubular valve stem portion 45 in this form of my invention is closed-in at its inner end by a plug 62, Fig. 13, so that no moisture or saliva may accumulate in the bore into which said valvestem portion fits.

From the foregoing disclosure it will be readily seen that my improved pipe enables a perfectly dry smoke to be had; and that it will be found in use to be absolutely sanitary. Furthermore, the improved pipe is immunized against unsanitary and injurious leakage or drainage when not in use irrespective of how it may be carried or suspended.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a tobacco pipe comprising a bowl and stem unit having connectable smoke and moisture-collecting drain-off passages Within said stem, the combination of a coupler immovably secured to the stem outer end and embodying an attachment portion; a mouthpiece having a longitudinal bore including a lengthwise groove, said groove extending from adjacent its outer end to the inner end thereof, and being engageable with the coupler attachment portion; said mouthpiece also having a smoke duct with relatively disaligned end portions, as well as an angular bore connecting into the longitudinal bore aforesaid; and a valvular plug in the angular bore of the mouthpiece, said plug including a passage affording communication between the pipe stem and mouthpiece bores when in one position and, when partially turned, closing-off such communication.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the coupler-device includes interior circumferentially-spaced longitudinal cutter projections; and an exterior screw-thread for interengagement with a corresponding threaded counter-bore in the mouthpiece confronting end.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein the valvular-plug is in the form of a set-screw; wherein the passage of the valvular plug is in the form of an elbow recess extending lengthwise of the plug and constitutes a portion of the angular bore; and wherein means is provided at the outer end of said screw whereby it is turnable, for the purpose specified.

4. The invention of claim 1 wherein the valvular-plug is in the form of a screw having a relatively-reduced stem extension; wherein the passage of the valvular plug is in the form of a lengthwise elbow-bore which constitutes a portion of the angular bore; wherein the plug includes an angularly-related cross-boring; and wherein means is provided for indicating when the valvular plug is in open position, for the purpose specified.

5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the adapter-device embodies a plain section and a relatively smaller exteriorly screw-threaded coaxial section; wherein said device includes longitudinal apertures registerable with the pipe stem smoke and drain-off passages; wherein the adapter is immovably attached to the pipe stem confronting end by an excentrically related dowel screw and a specially-related dowel pin; and wherein said dowel-screw and dowel-pin are rigidified in position by an applied cementitious material, for the purpose specified.

6. The invention of claim 1 wherein the valvular-plug is of tubulate formation; and wherein the lower end of said plug is closed-in by an appropriate insert.

OLAF M. INGEBRETSEN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

